HURON — Huron Regional Medical Center (HRMC) has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in mammography as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR), according to Deb Rycraft, RT(R)(M), RDMS, RVT, director of medical imaging for HRMC.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR practice guidelines and technical standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists, according to Rycraft.

Mammography is a specific type of imaging test that uses a low-dose digital x-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women.

HRMC uses 3D mammography technology, which takes several images while the machine moves in an arc, to create one 3D image. The 3D mammography system also includes a 3D biopsy platform, which allows the technologist to have the biopsy platform set up so a physician can locate the concerning area and perform the biopsy right in the mammography suite.

“Each year, HRMC’s mammography unit is inspected by the State of South Dakota Mammography Quality Standards Act and undergoes the ACR process every three years,” noted Ann Van Winkle RT(R)(M), lead mammography technologist at HRMC. “We appreciate participating in these processes because we are committed to continuous improvement and the highest possible level of patient care.”

Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed in the rigorous review process. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides a comprehensive report and program-specific educational tools to support the commitment to ongoing quality improvement.

“Participating in this process is part of our goal to exceed our customers’ expectations by providing advanced breast imaging technology at HRMC,” said Rycraft. “I am proud of our mammography team for continually achieving this level of accreditation.”

For more information about 3D mammo or to schedule an appointment, visit www.huronregional.org/services or call 605-353-6334.